Delaware Valley Tackle

Lure weight labels tend to be more accurate than power labels like MH etc.

EVA is inexpensive. The easiest and best result will be to strip the whole grip off and slide a new one on from the back end.

What your using may be just fine. There's no magic in lubricants and nothing about a reel that requires anything special, just appropriate for the application. Marine grease for gears, gear oil for sliding parts, level wind and non spool bearings and light oil for spool bearings. (3in1, Remoil, or even sewing machine oil)

It really depends on level of use and maintenance. They should last a long time. However, as with cars, bikes or anything else, if you're doing high performance upgrades longevity should not be the main concern. Ceramic bearings can be run dry. Oiling to quiet them will slow them down. If that's the case save your money and run clean stock bearings.

I do not discount the opinions contrary, but I have used them with success.

Very nice. The attention to detail sets custom apart from over the counter.

What kind of cover?

The sweet spot for casting weights usually lies near the middle of the posted range. Trial and error on the water is the only real way to tell.

If you look at the IPT of some of the high ratio reels it's not much if any faster due to the small reels and spools.

If I was going Phenix I'd go right to the k2 but they're pricey.

I don't think you have an issue honestly. A reels reaction to motions outside of regular use (spinning the handle etc) are not indicative of anything. Having two pinion bearings, The curado gear set is better supported than any of the Lews/ Revo etc. no reel at that price point will run 100% silently especially after some use and cleaning out the gobs of factory grease.

It must not be. You can use an epoxy adhesive. The only draw back is that it makes future changes more difficult. If the rod is handled with care it shouldn't be an issue. I routinely use epoxy on tips headed to hot climates like FL or Mexico.

If by all around you mean cranks , spinners and plastics, so think you'll like it.

A 4000 size reel will aid line management for heavier (12#>) mono or Fluoro and where uber long casts are required. Otherwise a 2500 is perfect for most bass fishing.

If you decide to give it another diy try I'll help all I can. If you want to send it in the cost is only $19.80 ($22-10%). Shipping is about $6. You're looking at $32 all in. It's your call. Let me know if you need anything. Mike

Phenix has been touting carbon fiber / graphite and multi directional layering process for a while. Asquith might be the "Hagane" of rods.

Pm sent

It's not uncommon for identical reels to each have their own personality and not be identical in every aspect. If the reel acts and feels right doing normal fishing motions rest easy.

I agree, neglect is the is the number one cause failures with locked down drags in a distant second. IMO it's a non issue in buying decisions.

A blank can contain more than one modulus of graphite and they'll always promote the highest number even though it accounts for a fraction of the content. A whole rod of 60 million probably wouldn't even bend. Scrim, resins, mandrels, design and processes all factor into the final product.

It's more common than you think. Won't hurt a thing but if you're put off by it contact st Croix. Few if any blanks are poker straight. That's why we build on the straightest axis. Ideally that todcwould be built with the curve pointing up letting the weight of the guides pull it straighter.

Just pm or email me and I'll mark it. It's just as a reminder to me when I bill.

Are you running braid without backing? If not something may be misassembled. If you want to send it in I'll check it out. Clean n lube <$20 for members here. Carbontex drag is only an extra $8

Consider how you grip your rod. If you palm it you may go 6-7". I keep my finger on the trigger so 8" is out of the way casting but leaves me a little on the fore arm if I lean into a good fish. MHX Shooter blanks come in 6' and are nice for in close spinnerbait fishing.

Generally speaking I'm not a fan of the combos. You're usually paying for one halfway decent component with some cheap give away attached. Not always but often enough. The exceller or maybe one of the new kastking reels matched to a lightning shock as suggested. Learn on a soft mono like trilene xl